EXCLUSIVE: Jeb Bush Is Leading Over Marco Rubio As The Early 2016 Favorite In Florida

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and current Sen. Marco Rubio are the clear 2016 front-runners for president in the Sunshine State, according to a new survey from Public Policy Polling.

The hypothetical poll results, which were shared exclusively with Business Insider, find that Bush earns the early support of 28% of the 624 Florida Republicans surveyed, while Rubio gets 22%. The poll was taken before 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney lost Florida — and the election — on Tuesday.

Both Bush and Rubio also are the most likeable candidates — Rubio is viewed favorably by 88% of Florida Republicans, while Bush has an 85% favorable rating.

Men and women are split on who their preferred nominee would be. Men break for Bush — he would lead Rubio 33-20. Women, meanwhile, are split evenly between Bush and Rubio. Rubio is favorable with 89% of Florida Republican women.